1st Kilt Question . . .

[Thistleboy]

I'm looking at the Stillwater Kilts - Black Stewart kilt for my 1st kilt purchase. The pricing seems very good. I would like to hear any thoughts you may have on the quality of their kilts and the difference between their standard kilt ($90) and their heavy weight wool kilt ($150). Would it be worth my while to spend the extra $60 for the wool kilt?
Thanks !

[Geoff Withnell]

You get good value either way, but... Wool for sure, if you can afford it. Acrylic is just not as good. I have had SWK in both wool and acrylic. The acrylic doesn't hold the pleats as well and does have a tendency to pill. The search function is your friend. This has been discussed several times.

Welcome to the kilted world, either way.

[gary meakin]

Wool has the most absorbent fibers of all fabrics.
Wool can absorb up to 30% of its weight without feeling heavy or damp.
Wool resists wrinkles.
Wool is durable.
Wool is naturally flame-retardant.
Wool regulates body temperature.
Wool is hypoallergenic – it resists bacteria, mold and mildew.
Wool is antistatic so it doesn’t attract dirt and dust.
Wool is easy to clean.
Wool has been worn long before PV and Acryllic were invented.
Science has tried but, so far, has not succeeded in producing a fiber with all of the qualities of the natural wool fiber.
(I'd go for the wool)

[Spartan Tartan]

Wool has the most absorbent fibers of all fabrics.
Wool can absorb up to 30% of its weight without feeling heavy or damp.
Wool resists wrinkles.
Wool is durable.
Wool is naturally flame-retardant.
Wool regulates body temperature.
Wool is hypoallergenic – it resists bacteria, mold and mildew.
Wool is antistatic so it doesn’t attract dirt and dust.
Wool is easy to clean.
Wool has been worn long before PV and Acryllic were invented.
Science has tried but, so far, has not succeeded in producing a fiber with all of the qualities of the natural wool fiber.
(I'd go for the wool)

***.

[Fedgunner]

I have owned and worn a Stillwater heavy wool kilt. I was very happy with the quality and fit of the kilt. You will be very satisified with it.

[Panache]

It is well worth the extra $ to get the wool heavyweight model. The heavyweight Stillwater kilts will last longer, look better, and prove a better investment.

Over the years I have bought quite a few Stillwater kilts. All but one standard I have given away or sold. I have kept all my heavyweights and they have stood through a lot of heavy use and all still look good.

Cheers

Jamie

[JCheshire]

My first one was a SWK heavy Black Stewart. You won't be disappointed and, as the other lads are saying, you can't go wrong with wool. Spend the $150.00...it's an investment in a garment you'll have for years.

[Dale Seago]

Yes. What everybody above said.

[Kiltedinkansas]

I just got my SWK Standard in the mail the other day (yes, i know, i need to post pics like i said i would). While it seems to be a decent garment, I just can't abide by the lightness of the cloth. I heavily suggest spending the extra moolah and getting the heavyweight wool. Just my 2 cents

[opositive]

in the stillwater economy section, look for the 100% wool black watch and leatherneck tartans. i have an economy wool black watch. i do not have a heavyweight from stillwater, but i think this model is a light to maybe medium weight. this one looks and feels much better than an 8 yd acrylic i have. if you are on a budget like me, i would go with the stillwater wool economy or a polyviscose kilt--skip acrylic (yes, i should have listened to ya'll)--but at this price, you will only pay a few more bucks than an off the shelf pv--you cannot go wrong with a wool economy for a first kilt.